1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 89 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 50 L |
